Rumen Biohydrogenation Research Articles

The effect of the biohydrogenation-induced milk fat depression in dairy cows on milk odd and branched chain fatty acids across multiple studies.

Diet-induced milk fat depression (MFD) caused by UFA, and low fiber diets results in an increase in alternate rumen biohydrogenation intermediates. The impact of these MFD-inducing diets on milk odd and branched chain fatty acids (OBCFA) is not well known. The first objective of this study was to characterize the time course of changes in OBCFA in milk fat during induction and recovery of MFD induced with a high UFA and low fiber diet in 3 separate experiments. In the first experiment, milk OBCFA were quantified in a previous experiment that sampled milk fat every other day during induction and recovery of MFD. Induction of MFD decreased all OBCFA in milk fat except iso 17:0, which was increased by 15%. The temporal response varied between OBCFA, with iso 15:0, anteiso 15:0, 17:0, anteiso 17:0, ∑ ante, and ∑ OBCFA progressively decreased after the first day, while iso 14:0, iso 16:0, and ∑ iso decreased after d 5. The OBCFA were progressively increased during recovery, and most were similar to the control by d 3. Two additional experiments investigated the change in milk OBCFA during recovery from MFD with diets that differed in UFA, fiber, or monensin supplementation. The effect of MFD on milk OBCFA was similar to Experiment 1 and the temporal response during recovery was similar to recovery of normal rumen fermentation. The second objective was to characterize the response across MFD experiments conducted in our research group. The database included 7 experiments that fed either a control diet or a diet that caused MFD through either a change in fiber, UFA, or both. The MFD diet decreased most OBCFA in milk fat, including iso 14:0, 15:0, iso 15:0, anteiso 15:0, iso 16:0, 17:0, anteiso 17:0, ∑ iso FA, ∑ anteiso FA, ∑ OBCFA. However, iso 17:0 and cis-9 17:1 were not different between control and MFD diets. In conclusion, milk OBCFA other than iso 17:0 and cis-9 17:1 are reduced when feeding a diet that causes Biohydrogenation-induced MFD and the temporal response was similar to the alternate rumen biohydrogenation intermediates and likely indicates the time course of adaptation of rumen microbial populations and fermentation during these diet alterations.

Effects of an essential oil blend rich in cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol on rumen biohydrogenation and fatty acid profile in the longissimus lumborum of growing lambs.

Essential oils extracted from cinnamon bark and oregano are rich in cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol and show potential for promoting animal performance. However, their impact on rumen biohydrogenation and the fatty acid composition of meat has not been reported. The hypothesis of this study was that a blend of essential oils rich in cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol would inhibit rumen biohydrogenation and promote the accumulation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in lamb meat. The present study evaluated the effect of a blend essential oil (EO) rich in cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol on the nutrient digestibility, rumen biohydrogenation, growth performance, and fatty acid profile of the longissimus lumborum of lambs. Sixty male lambs with an average age of 84 ± 0.98 days and initial body mass of 25.4 ± 0.29 kg (mean ± standard deviation) were assigned randomly to four diets, and supplemented with 0 (EO0), 30 (EO30), 60 (EO60), and 120 (EO120) mg kg-1 dry matter of EO for 60 days. Although dry matter and neutral detergent fiber digestibility all showed a linear decrease (P ≤ 0.02) with increasing quantities of EO, final body mass and average daily gain increased linearly (P = 0.04), and average daily weight gain (ADG)/dry matter intake (DMI) tended to increase linearly (P = 0.07). Increasing EO supplementation resulted in a linear decrease in total volatile fatty acid concentration, acetate molar percentage, and acetate-to-propionate ratio (P ≤ 0.03), with the EO120 treatment being lower than the other EO treatments (P ≤ 0.05). Seven lambs from the EO120 treatment and seven lambs from the EO0 treatment were randomly slaughtered. It was observed that the proportions of C18:2n6c and PUFA in longissimus lumborum were higher in the EO120 treatment than the EO0 treatment (P ≤ 0.05). The relative abundance of Firmicutes in the rumen was decreased by the EO120 treatment in comparison with the EO0 treatment (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, the predicted relative abundances of genes encoding for conjugated linoleic acid reductase tended to decrease with the EO120 treatment (P = 0.06). We demonstrated that supplementation of the EO blend rich in cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol can enhance lamb growth performance and promote the deposition of desirable PUFAs in meat. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Role of whole linseed and sunflower seed on the nutritional and organoleptic properties of Podolian × Limousine meat

The fatty acids profile of meat can be influenced by the amount and type of the lipid supplemented in animal feeding with a modulation of the rumen biohydrogenation of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (P UFA). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the nutritional and sensory quality of bovine meat as affected by different oilseeds supplementations. Thirty two Podolian x Limousine young bulls were randomly allocated into four experimental treatments: control diet (CO) with no supplemental fat, linseed diet (LS) with a supplementation of 10% whole linseed; sunflower diet (SS) with supplementation of 10% of sunflower seeds; LS+SS diet: with supplementation of linseeds (5%) and sunflowers (5%). After finishing period (140 days), all animals were slaughtered and fatty acids profile and sensory proprieties were evaluated on meat. The results showed that dietary supplementation with linseed or/and sunflower seeds in the diet decreased the percentage of saturated fatty acids (P<0.001) and increased monounsatured (P<0.05) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (P<0.05). Feeding diets containing linseeds as respect with sunflower seeds increased the amount of total n-3 P UFA (P<0.01) and, in particular, of linolenic (P<0.01), eicosapentaenoic (P<0.001), docosapentaenoic (P<0.01) and docosaeasoenoic (P<0.05) acids. An improvement in tenderness, juiciness, chewiness and flavour intensity was observed in beef from animals supplemented with oilseeds. This study suggests that linseed alone or in combination with sunflower seeds is an effective strategy to enrich meat with beneficial fatty acids and to improve some sensory attributes appreciated by consumers.

Milk quality of ruminants fed with tannin-based diets

Tannins are found in various feeds and can produce numerous benefits to ruminants, such as preventing bloat, favoring a better use of dietary protein, increasing microbial protein synthesis, according to its concentration, molecular weight and structure. The tannins affect the digestibility of the protein, because they form complexes with dietary proteins, improving the duodenal flow of proteins, of some essential amino acids and of unsaturated fatty acids, modifying the profile of two fatty acids of meat and milk and age in rumen biohydrogenation, They provide faster growth rates of live weight, higher milk production, increased fertility and reduction of the parasite load, improving the animal's well-being and health. The nutritional effects of two tannins may vary according to the type of tannin used and the level of inclusion in the diet, its chemical structure and molecular weight, the quantity ingested, the species or animal category involved and the energy and protein balance of the diet.

Hydrogen cross-feeding among rumen biohydrogenation, propionogenesis and methanogenesis drives the milk fatty acid profile in dairy goats

Abstract Rumen microbial biohydrogenation (RBH) is the major factor responsible for the bovine milk rich in saturated fatty acids (FAs). Here, we evaluated the effects of nutritional manipulation of ruminal propionogenesis and methanogenesis, two primary hydrogen sinks, on the RBH and milk FA profiles in vivo and in vitro using three propionogenesis enhancers (fumarate [FUM], biotin and monensin) and one methanogenesis inhibitor (N-[2-(nitrooxy)ethyl]-3-pyridinecarboxamide [NPD]). The in vivo results showed that inclusion of FUM in lactating dairy goat diet could protect dietary unsaturated FAs against RBH with increased proportions of C18:2n − 6 (by 33.5%), C18:3n − 3 (by 38.1%) and RBH intermediates (e.g. trans-10 C18:1 and trans-11 C18:1) in rumen contents. Additionally, FUM supplementation increased the milk Δ9 desaturase index (by 15.5%) with higher cis-9 monounsaturated FAs in the milk. As a result, FUM increased the proportions of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated FAs in the milk with lower atherogenicity index (by −15.3%) and thrombogenicity index (by −19.5%). Conversely, supplementing NPD increased RBH completeness (by 7.4%) with higher milk atherogenicity index (by 10.5%) and thrombogenicity index (by 8.7%). The adverse effects of NPD on the milk FA profiles can be eliminated when supplemented in combination with FUM. The metagenomic analyses showed that neither FUM nor NPD affect the rumen microbial α- or β-diversity at the strain or gene level. The in vitro study showed that the conversion rate of FUM to propionate was increased from 54.7% to 80.6% when FUM supplemented in combination with biotin and monensin, resulting a higher anti-RBH potential. Accordingly, manipulation of ruminal methanogenesis and propionogenesis can redirect hydrogen toward or away from RBH and thereby influence the milk FA profiles. FUM is a promising feed additive in ruminant not only to reduce the methane emissions as previously proved but also to improve the nutritional desirability of the milk FA profiles for human health.

Effect of the nature of energy (lipids vs. carbohydrates) on enteric methane emission and dairy performance in cows fed grass silage-based diets

This work aimed to investigate the effect of energy nature (lipids vs. carbohydrates) on enteric methane emission (eCH4 ) and performance in dairy cows fed grass silage-based diets. Eight multiparous Holstein cows were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design, with 4 experimental periods of 28 days each. Cows were fed with 4 iso-energetic diets based on grass silage and supplemented with different levels of rapeseed oil (RO) (0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5% of dietary dry matter (DM), Control, RO-low, RO-medium, RO-high diets, respectively) in substitution of starch from concentrate. Dairy performance, total-tract digestibility, and rumen parameters were measured when animals were in individual respiration chambers for quantifying eCH4. Intake of DM decreased with RO-high compared to other diets. Methane emissions were lowered similarly with all diets containing RO compared to Control (on average, -19% in g/d, −13% in g/kg DMI, −21% in g/kg milk). Ruminal propionate proportion was higher, whereas that of butyrate was lower with RO-high compared to the other diets. Milk yield was higher with RO-low and RO-medium, and was lower for RO-high compared to Control. Milk C16:0 concentration was lower, and C18:1c9, C18:1t11, and other rumen biohydrogenation intermediate concentrations were higher with diets containing RO compared to Control. The shift from the C18:1t11 to C18:1t10 biohydrogenation pathway is in agreement with the milk fat depression observed with RO-medium and RO-high. The inclusion of RO at 1.5% was the best compromise between eCH4, feed efficiency, and milk nutritional quality in cows fed grass silage-based diets.

Potential modulating effects of Allium mongolicum regel ethanol extract on rumen fermentation and biohydrogenation bacteria of dairy cows in vitro.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential modulating effects of Allium mongolicum regel ethanol extract (AME) on rumen fermentation and biohydrogenation (BH) bacteria in vitro. Four Holstein cows were used as donors for the rumen fluid used in this study. In experiment 1, five treatments (supplemented with 0 mg/g, 1 mg/g, 2 mg/g, 3 mg/g, and 4 mg/g of AME based on fermentation substrate, respectively) were conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of AME on fermentation status in vitro. The results showed that after 24 h of fermentation, MCP was reduced with AME supplementation (p < 0.05), and the multiple combinations of different combinations index (MFAEI) value was the highest with 3 mg/g of AME. In experiment 2, six treatments were constructed which contained: control group (A1); the unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) mixture at 3% concentration (A2); the mixture of A2 and 3 mg/g of AME (A3); 3 mg/g of AME (A4); the UFA mixture at 1.5% concentration (A5); the mixture of A5 and 3 mg/g of AME (A6). The abundance of bacterial species involved in BH was measured to evaluate the potential modulating effect of AME on rumen BH in vitro. Compared with the A1 group, the A3, A4, and A6 groups both showed significant decreases in the abundance of rumen BH microbial flora including Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, Ruminococcus albus and Clostridium aminophilum (p < 0.01). The A3 group was less inhibitory than A4 in the abundance of B. proteoclasticus, B. fibrisolvens, and R. albus, and the inhibitory effect of the A6 group was higher than that of A4. In conclusion, the supplementation with 3 mg/g of AME could modulate the rumen fermentation and affect BH key bacteria, which suggests that AME may have the potential to inhibit the rumen BH of dairy cows.

Effects of diets differing in the concentrate-to-roughage ratio on meat quality and fatty acids composition in abomasal digesta and meat from thin-tail and fat-tail Brazilian ovine breeds

Fat-tail ovine breeds are known proposed to have distinctive lipid metabolism compared with thin-tail breeds. This hypothesis was investigated evaluating the effects of two types of diets (high vs low concentrate diet - HC vs LC) fed to two sheep breeds (fat-tail or thin-tail sheep) on fatty acid (FA) composition of abomasal digesta and meat quality. Forty lambs (20 fat-tail lambs and 20 thin-tail lambs) distributed in a randomized complete block design and fed two diets with different roughage: concentrate proportion. Breed slightly modified the FA profile of abomasal digesta and meat, but the 18:3 n-3 rumen biohydrogenation was increased in fat-tail lambs, resulting in a reduction of 18:3 n-3 meat proportion of fat-tail lambs fed HC diet and increased it in meat from thin tail lambs fed LC diet. The HC diet increased dry matter intake, and consequently FA intake, changing extensively the FA abomasal content and profile and increased the fat and protein content in meat. However, breed did not affect the meat fat content and BCFA, as proposed, but the fat-tail lambs decreased n-3 PUFA content and increased n-6 PUFA and t10–18:1 content (mg/100 g fresh meat), reducing the nutritional value of meat.

Effects of Phlorotannins from Sargassum on In Vitro Rumen Fermentation, Microbiota and Fatty Acid Profile.

The fatty acid profiles of ruminant-derived products are closely associated with human health. Ruminal microbiota play a vital role in modulating rumen biohydrogenation (BH). The aim of this study was to assess the influence of dietary supplementation with phlorotannins (PTs) extracted from Sargassum on rumen fermentation, fatty acid composition and bacterial communities by an in vitro culture study. The inclusion of PTs in the diet increased dry matter digestibility and gas production, and reduced ammonia-N concentration and pH. PT extract inhibited rumen BH, increasing the content of trans-9 C18:1, cis-9 C18:1, trans-9 and trans-12 C18:2 and reducing C18:0 concentration. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that PTs caused an obvious change in rumen bacterial communities. The presence of Prevotella decreased while carbohydrate-utilizing bacteria such as Prevotellaceae_UCG-001, Ruminococcus, Selenomonas, Ruminobacter and Fibrobacter increased. Correlation analysis between rumen FA composition and the bacterial microbiome revealed that Prevotellaceae_UCG-001, Anaerovorax, Ruminococcus, Ruminobacter, Fibrobacter, Lachnospiraceae_AC2044_group and Clostridia_UCG-014 might have been involved in the BH process. In conclusion, the results suggest that the inclusion of PTs in the diet improved rumen fermentation and FA composition through modulating the rumen bacterial community.

Modulating Natural Methane Release from Rumen Fermentation through the Use of Ficus glomerata Leaf Tannins in Murrah Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Enteric fermentation is one of the largest contributors of methane release to the environment from the livestock sector. Plant bioactive compounds can modulate rumen fermentation for reduced methanogenesis and fatty acid biohydrogenation. The present study investigates the effects of tannin extract from Ficus glomerata (FG) leaves on the rumen fermentation, methanogenesis, feed digestibility and fatty acid biohydrogenation of a total mixed ration with the aim of developing a feed supplement for enhanced livestock production and product quality with lower methane emission. The tannin extract (70% aqueous acetone extract) of FG leaves in the total mixed ration (oat hay/concentrate mixture; 1:1) was studied at four graded dose regimens (0.0 (control), 0.25 mL (FG-0.25), 0.50 mL (FG-0.50) and 1.0 mL (FG-1.0) per 60 mL of buffered rumen fluid) in three replicates for each treatment in a radio-frequency-based automatic gas production system (ANKOM-RF) at 39 °C for 24 h following the standard in vitro gas production protocol. The total gas production (mL or mL/g incubated dry matter (DM)) was gradually reduced (p &lt; 0.01) at dose levels of FG-0.50 and FG-1.0; however, it remained intermediary and comparable (p &gt; 0.05) for FG-0.25 with the control and FG-0.50. Compared to the control, the methane concentration (%) in the head space gas, as well as the total methane production (mL or mL/g DM incubated, or mL/g DM digested), were found to be gradually reduced (p &lt; 0.01) with increasing doses (0.25–1.0 mL) of FG extract. The reduced (p &lt; 0.05) feed degradability at higher levels (0.50–1.0 mL) of FG extract supplementation and the comparative (p &gt; 0.05) effects with the control at a lower level of supplementation (FG-0.25) are suggestive of the dose-responsive detrimental effects of tannins on fibrolytic microbes in the rumen. However, the ammonia concentration decreased (p &lt; 0.05) in all of the incubations compared to the control. Among the volatile fatty acids, acetate remained comparable (p &gt; 0.05) with enhanced (p &lt; 0.05) propionate at a lower dose (FG-0.25); however, a dose-dependent reduction was evident at higher dose levels (FG-0.50 and FG-1.0). The production of stearic acid (C18:0), which is a product of the rumen biohydrogenation process, was reduced (p &lt; 0.05), irrespective of the concentration of the FG extract. Compared to the control, the concentration of t-vaccenic acid (C18:1), which is a precursor of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in animal products, was increased in all the FG-extract-supplemented groups. It may be concluded that Ficus glomerata leaf tannins can modulate rumen fermentation for reduced methanogenesis and fatty acid biohydrogenation in a total mixed ration. As a higher level of inclusion negatively affects feed digestibility, a lower dose (0.25 mL FG extract per 60 mL fermentation fluid or 4.17 mL FG extract per L of fermentation fluid) is suggested to achieve desirable effects on methane abatement (30%) and an improvement in fatty acid profiles in animal products.

Fermentation parameters in the rumen of goats supplemented with polyphenol oxidase derived from Gliricidia sepium leaves under in vitro conditions

Abstract. Huda AN, Sabarudin A, Jayanegara A, Soetanto H. 2023. Fermentation parameters in the rumen of goats supplemented with polyphenol oxidase derived from Gliricidia sepium leaves under in vitro conditions. Biodiversitas 24: 3282-3290. The growing demand for healthy foods derived from ruminant products is restricted by the high content of saturated fatty acids in meat or milk due to the process of rumen biohydrogenation. Recent reports from intensive studies using polyphenol oxidase (PPO), an enzyme in plants’ secondary metabolism, as the inhibitor of rumen biohydrogenation cost doubt of ruminant products. PPO is assumed to increase the supply of UFA by reducing the rate of biohydrogenation due to rumen microbes’ activity. Microbes of the rumen, including species of bacteria and protozoa are responsible for rumen biohydrogenation. The present study investigated the effect of adding PPO derived from Gliricidia sepium leaves on fermentation parameters in the rumen, including protozoa density and diversity, fatty acid profile, volatile fatty acid profile, and the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis under in vitro conditions. The experiment was carried out through an in vitro rumen fermentation method, consisting of five treatments, i.e., negative control, positive control, the addition of 0.1 ml, 0.3 ml, and 0.5 ml PPO emulsion. The most dominant type of protozoa among all treatments was Entodinium spp. PPO emulsion increases the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis and volatile fatty acid concentration. 0.5 ml PPO emulsion increases linoleic acid. In conclusion, this finding poses a question on the role of rumen protozoa in lipid biohydrogenation in the rumen. A further experiment on the benefits of adding PPO regarding rumen biohydrogenation under in vivo conditions is warranted.

Modulation of Murrah Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Rumen Functions for In Vitro Fatty Acid Bio-Hydrogenation, Methane Production and Fermentation Pattern of Total Mixed Ration Supplemented with Allium sativum (Garlic) Essential Oils

The potential for plant-origin essential oils to modulate rumen functions for reducing bio-hydrogenation of fatty acids and methane production has been a significant area of research in recent times. This study investigated the effects supplementation of garlic (Allium sativum) essential oils have on in vitro bio-hydrogenation of fatty acids, methanogenesis and fermentation characteristics of total mixed ration in buffalo with the aim of enhancing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content in animal products as well as reducing environmental pollution. Allium sativum (AS) essential oils were examined at four levels [0 (Control), 33.33 µL (AS-1), 83.33 µL (AS-2) and 166.66 µL (AS-3) per litre of buffered rumen fluid] in a radio-frequency based automatic gas production system (ANKOM-RF). Two bottles per treatment per run over two incubation runs were undertaken to gain representative results. Oats hay and concentrate mixture (1:1) was used as a substrate (500 ± 5 mg) and incubated with 60 mL of buffered rumen fluid in 250 mL ANKOM bottles fitted with automatic an gas recording system at 39 °C for 24 h, following standard in vitro gas production protocols. The results demonstrated a reduction (p &lt; 0.01) in lipid bio-hydrogenation, measured by lowered saturated fatty acids and enhanced unsaturated fatty acids on the supplementation of AS essential oils, irrespective of the dose levels. Moreover, the increased (p &lt; 0.01) production of trans vaccenic (trans C18:1) acid (TVA) following graded dose supplementations of the AS essential oils increased the production of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) in animal products. Although, reduced methane production (p &lt; 0.01) was evidenced, the decrease in total gas production and feed digestibility (TDDM) demonstrated the strong antimicrobial properties of AS at all dose levels. The study reveals that the Allium sativam (Garlic) essential oils have the potential to be an agent for the reduction of the rumen biohydrogenation of fatty acids and methanogenesis. However, in vivo examination is necessary to validate the findings and confirm its suitability for use as an additive to enhance nutraceutical and organoleptic properties in animal products.

Biological features of meat productivity formation in sheep

The data from literature and our own research on the chemical and biochemical composition of muscle tissue, its biological functions and nutritional value are summarized in the article. The data on the chemical composition and nutritional value of meat of different animal species, including beef, veal, pork and lamb are generalized. It is shown that sheep meat is characterized by nutritional, taste and dietary properties. In terms of biological value, it is not inferior to beef and pork, and even superior in other respects. For example, lamb contains the same amount of protein and amino acids as beef and pork, and it contains more fat than beef, which makes it higher in calories. Lamb is a good source of vitamins and minerals (Calcium, Phosphorus, and Іron), and its content of Copper and Zinc is significantly higher than that of other meats. On the global market, lamb is valued higher than other types of meat. Carcasses of young lambs weighing 13–16 kg are in particularly high demand. The dietary value of young lamb is due to its protein composition, high content of vitamins A and E and group B, lipids, in particular phospholipids. However, although sheep meat is characterized by high nutritional and biological properties, its disadvantage is a significant content of saturated fatty acids, which is associated with the processes of rumen biohydrogenation. Thus, the problem of increasing the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids in lamb is extremely important for human health. With this aim, various biologically active additives are widely used in animal feeding, which can directly or indirectly increase the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in their products. In particular, antioxidants are widely used to prevent double bond peroxidation and there by increase the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in products. Rearing and fattening lambs is biologically feasible and economically profitable until they reach a live weight of 40–50 kg, as during this period the growth of muscle tissue is the largest compared to fat deposition, and feed consumption is the lowest.

Effect of Heat Processing of Rubber Seed Kernel on In Vitro Rumen Biohydrogenation of Fatty Acids and Fermentation

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of rubber seed kernel heat processing on in vitro rumen biohydrogenation of fatty acids and fermentation. The experiment was conducted with a completely randomized design (CRD). The inclusion of RSK at 0% (CON) and 20% with different processing methods as follows: Raw rubber seed kernel (RAWR), roasted rubber seed kernel (ROR), microwave irradiated rubber seed kernel (MIR), and rubber seed kernel were heated in a hot air oven (RHO) in total mixed ration (TMR) diets. The hydrogen cyanide (HCN) was reduced using RSK heat methods. The heat processing of RSK had no effect on cumulative gas production at 96 h, the gas production from the insoluble fraction (b), or degradability (p &gt; 0.05), whereas it reduced the gas production from the immediately soluble fraction (a) and constant rate of gas production for the insoluble fraction (c) (p &lt; 0.01). The RSK processing methods did not influence ruminal pH, total volatile fatty acid (VFA), or VFA proportions (p &gt; 0.05). RSK heat processing reduced ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) (p &lt; 0.04) while increasing the bacterial population (p &lt; 0.02). Heat treatment had no effect on linoleic acid (C18:2 cis-9,12 + tran-9,12) (p &gt; 0.05). The RHO increases oleic acid (C18:1 cis-9 + tran-9) and linolenic acid (C18:3 cis-9,12,15) concentrations (p &lt; 0.01). In conclusion, RHO reduced rumen biohydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), especially C18:3 and C18:1.

Cysteamine-supplemented diet for cashmere goats: A potential strategy to inhibit rumen biohydrogenation and enhance plasma antioxidant capacity

Cysteamine (CS), as a feed supplement, can increase the level of growth hormone (GH) in the blood, promote animal growth. However, little attention has been paid to the effects of CS on the rumen microbiome and metabolic profile in cashmere goats. This study aimed to assess the effects of rumen microbiota, metabolites, and plasma antioxidative capacity induced by CS supplementation in cashmere goats. We selected 30 Inner Mongolia white cashmere goat ewes (aged 18 months), and randomly separate the goats into three groups (n = 10 per group) to experiment for 40 days. Oral 0 (control group, CON), 60 (low CS, LCS), or 120 mg/kg BW−1 (high CS, HCS) coated CS hydrochloride every day. Using 16S and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we identified 12 bacterial and 3 fungal genera with significant changes among the groups, respectively. We found a significant increase in rumen NH3-N and total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) concentrations in the LCS and HCS groups compared with the CON. With untargeted LC–MS/MS metabolomics, we screened 59 rumen differential metabolites. Among the screened metabolites, many unsaturated and saturated fatty acids increased and decreased with CS treatment, respectively. CS supplementation increased the levels of plasma total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), GH, and insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the abundance of U29-B03, Lactococcus, and Brochothrix were positively associated with the levels of δ2-THA, TVFA and antioxidant capacity. In conclusion, CS significantly affected rumen microbiota and fermentation parameters, and ultimately inhibited the biohydrogenation of rumen metabolites, enhanced plasma antioxidant capacity, and regulated some hormones of the GH–IGF-1 axis. This study provides an overall view into the CS application as a strategy to improve health production in cashmere goats.

Using canonical correlation analysis to understand the rumen biohydrogenation patterns of linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids in the rumen fluid of bovines

The objective of this study was to determine the multivariate relationship among linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and their main rumen biohydrogenation (BH) intermediates and products in bovine rumen fluid using canonical correlation analysis (CCA). A dataset consisting of 1177 observations generated by 107 in vitro rumen incubation systems of pure and mixed linoleic acid (18:2-c9, c12) and alpha-linolenic acid (18:3-c9, c12, c15) was gathered. Two canonical variates were defined: A: composed of the nine main BH intermediates and products (18:2-c9, t11; 18:2-t11, c15; 18:1-t11; 18:1-t9; 18:1-t6; 18:1-c11; 18:1-c6; 18:1-c9; 18:0) of 18:2-c9, c12 and 18:3-c9, c12, c15 and B: composed of 18:2-c9, c12 and 18:3-c9, c12, c15. Two canonical functions between A and B with significant canonical correlations (R1=0.990 and R2=0.738; p &lt;0.01) were obtained. However, only the first function was selected for CCA. Exploration of canonical loadings for first function, revealed the following quantitative significance (absolute value) order for fatty acids (FA) within their respective canonical variates: A: 18:0(0.958)&gt;18:1-t9(0.837)&gt;18:1-c11(0.835)&gt;18:1-c6(0.824)&gt;18:1-t11(0.747)&gt;18:1-c9(0.738)&gt;18:1-t6(0.415)&gt;18:2-t11, c15(0.387)&gt; 18:2-c9, t11(0.239); B: 18:2-c9, c12(0.667)&gt;18:3-c9, c12, c15(0.488). The CCA showed that 18:2-c9, c12 has a greater contribution than that of 18:3-c9, c12, c15 on the production of the aforementioned BH intermediates, in which 18:0, as well as the groups of 18:1 cis and trans-FA were mainly affected.

Effect of 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoate (HMTBa) on milk fat, rumen environment and biohydrogenation, and rumen protozoa in lactating cows fed diets with increased risk for milk fat depression.

Biohydrogenation-induced milk fat depression (MFD) is a reduction in milk fat synthesis caused by bioactive fatty acids (FA) produced during altered ruminal microbial metabolism of unsaturated FA. The methionine analog 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoate (HMTBa) has been shown to reduce the shift to the alternate biohydrogenation pathway and maintain higher milk fat yield in high-producing cows fed diets lower in fiber and higher in unsaturated FA. The objective of this experiment was to verify the effect of HMTBa on biohydrogenation-induced MFD and investigate associated changes in rumen environment and fermentation. Twenty-two rumen cannulated high-producing Holstein cows [168 ± 66 d in milk; 42 ± 7 kg of milk/d (mean ± standard deviation)] were used in a randomized design performed in 2 blocks (1 = 14 cows, 2 = 8 cows). Treatments were control (corn carrier) and HMTBa (0.1% of diet dry matter). The experiment included a 7-d covariate period followed by 3 phases that fed diets with increasing risk of MFD. The diet during the covariate and low-risk phase (7 d) was 32% neutral detergent fiber with no additional oil. The diet during the moderate-risk phase (17 d) was 29% neutral detergent fiber with 0.75% soybean oil. Soybean oil was increased to 1.5% for the last 4 d. The statistical model included the random effect of block and time course data were analyzed with repeated measures including the random effect of cow and tested the interaction of treatment and time. There was no effect of block or interaction of block and treatment or time. There was no overall effect of treatment or treatment by time interaction for dry matter intake, milk yield, and milk protein concentration and yield. Overall, HMTBa increased milk fat percent (3.2 vs. 3.6%) and yield (1,342 vs. 1,543 g/d) and there was no interaction of treatment and dietary phase. Additionally, HMTBa decreased the concentration of trans-10 18:1 in milk fat and rumen digesta. Average total ruminal concentration of volatile FA across the day and total-tract dry matter and fiber digestibility were not affected by HMTBa, but HMTBa increased average rumen butyrate and decreased propionate concentration and increased total protozoa abundance. Additionally, HMTBa increased the fractional rate of α-linoleic acid clearance from the rumen following a bolus predominantly driven by a difference in the first 30 min. Plasma insulin was decreased by HMTBa. In conclusion, HMTBa prevented the increase in trans FA in milk fat associated with MFD through a mechanism that is independent of total volatile FA concentration, but involves modification of rumen biohydrogenation. Decreased propionate and increased butyrate and ruminal protozoa may also have functional roles in the mechanism.

Modulatory effects of dietary tannins on polyunsaturated fatty acid biohydrogenation in the rumen: A meta-analysis

BackgroundTannins are a group of phenolic compounds that can modify the rumen biohydrogenation (BH) of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), but to date results obtained have been inconsistent. This study therefore aims to conduct a meta-analysis of the scientific literature related to the effects of tannins on rumen BH and fermentation. MethodsA total of 28 articles were collected from various scientific databases, such as Scopus, Science Direct and Google Scholar, and the data were analysed using a random effects model and meta-regression for rumen BH. The publication bias on the main variables of rumen fermentation was assessed using a funnel plot and Egger's test. ResultsAn increase in tannin levels significantly reduced methane production (p < 0.001) and the population of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens (p < 0.05). Dietary tannins also decreased the SFA proportion (p < 0.001) and increased (p < 0.001) the rumen monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) proportions. In additions, there were negative relationships between dietary tannin levels and BH rates of C18:2 n-6 and C18:3 n-3 (p < 0.05). ConclusionDietary tannins modulate the rumen fermentation profile, mitigate methane emissions, and inhibit rumen BH of PUFA.

Associations between Milk Fatty Acid Profile and Body Condition Score, Ultrasound Hepatic Measurements and Blood Metabolites in Holstein Cows.

Simple SummaryMetabolic disorders represent a crucial problem in early lactating dairy cows, which lead to major economic losses at the herd level. To allow the prompt detection of metabolic dysfunction with noninvasive and ready-to-use methods on the farm, milk matrix represents the best option. Among milk fine components, the fatty acid profile represents a fingerprint of the cow’s nutritional and metabolic status, being a suitable indicator of metabolic imbalance at the cow level. We performed an association study between milk fatty acid profile and a set of metabolic indicators, such as body condition score, ultrasound liver measurements, and blood metabolites, from 297 Holstein–Friesian cows. We extracted a few latent variables able to explain specific biological mechanisms from the milk fatty acid profile. Then, we explored the associations between these new synthetic variables, namely the factors, and the morphometric, ultrasonographic and hematic indicators of immune and metabolic status. The significant associations of fatty acid factors with blood and ultrasound indicators of inflammation and hepatic load showed the capacity of fatty acids to reflect the energy metabolic status of lactating cows, suggesting their potential usefulness as markers of digestive alterations and metabolic variations in cows during the critical period of early lactation.Dairy cows have high incidences of metabolic disturbances, which often lead to disease, having a subsequent significant impact on productivity and reproductive performance. As the milk fatty acid (FA) profile represents a fingerprint of the cow’s nutritional and metabolic status, it could be a suitable indicator of metabolic status at the cow level. In this study, we obtained milk FA profile and a set of metabolic indicators (body condition score, ultrasound liver measurements, and 29 hematochemical parameters) from 297 Holstein–Friesian cows. First, we applied a multivariate factor analysis to detect latent structure among the milk FAs. We then explored the associations between these new synthetic variables and the morphometric, ultrasonographic and hematic indicators of immune and metabolic status. Significant associations were exhibited by the odd-chain FAs, which were inversely associated with β-hydroxybutyrate and ceruloplasmin, and positively associated with glucose, albumin, and γ-glutamyl transferase. Short-chain FAs were inversely related to predicted triacylglycerol liver content. Rumen biohydrogenation intermediates were associated with glucose, cholesterol, and albumin. These results offer new insights into the potential use of milk FAs as indicators of variations in energy and nutritional metabolism in early lactating dairy cows.

Effects of Dietary Babassu Oil or Buriti Oil on Nutrient Intake and Total Tract Digestibility, and Abomasal Digesta Fatty Acid Profile of Lambs.

Simple SummaryThis research tested the effects of adding babassu oil (450 g/kg C12:0 of total fatty acids—FA) or buriti oil (750 g/kg C18:f total FA) to the diet of lambs on intake, nutrient digestibility, FA profile of abomasal digesta content and biohydrogenation patterns in digestive content. Both are widely available in the Northeast of Brazil and Amazon region. Our results provide evidence that the babassu supplemented diet promotes greater stress to the ruminal bacteria (due to the high concentration of C12:0), changing the normal biohydrogenation of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) in the rumen, and the FA concentration that flows to the abomasum, compared to the buriti oil supplemented diet, which provided similar results to the non-supplemented diet.Our current understanding of the effect of medium-chain FA (MCFA) rich vegetable oils on ruminant nutrition is limited. We assessed the effects of babassu or buriti oil addition to the diet of lambs on intake, nutrient digestibility, FA profile of abomasal digesta content and biohydrogenation (BH) patterns in digestion. The experimental diets were defined by the addition of babassu oil or buriti oil to the diet, as follows: (1) non-supplemented diet (CON); (2) 40 g/kg of babassu oil (BAO, rich in C12:0); and (3) 40 g/kg of buriti oil (BUO, rich in c9 18:1), on a dry matter (DM) basis. During the last five days of the feedlot, samples of orts and feces were individually collected to determine the nutrient and FA digestibility. At the end of the experiment, animals were slaughtered, and the abomasal digesta was collected, freeze-dried and used for FA determinations conducted by gas chromatography. The BAO diet decreased the DM (p = 0.014) and nutrient intake. The lambs fed BUO had the greatest FA intake, followed by the BAO and CON diets. However, BAO increased total FA digestibility, compared with CON, but did not differ from BUO. The BAO diet extensively changed the FA composition of abomasal digesta when compared with both the CON and BUO diets. The BAO diet also increased C12:0 and C14:0, the sum of PUFA and the BH intermediates FA, including the t-10-18:1 but decreased the C18:0 in abomasal digesta. The BUO addition had the greatest total-FA and C18:0 and the lowest biohydrogenation intermediate content in abomasal digesta. The BH was less complete with the BAO diet and a large increase in t10-18:1 and of t10-/t11-18:1 ratio was observed, which indicates the occurrence of t10 possibly shifted rumen BH pathways, probably as a response to bacterial membrane stress induced by the greater C12:0 concentration in the rumen.